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Lentil
العدس · Lens culinaris
One of the oldest farmed legumes. Its seeds are a main food in soups and dishes.
Quick facts
| Arabic name | العدس |
|---|---|
| English name | Lentil |
| Scientific name | Lens culinaris |
| Family | Legume family (Fabaceae) |
| Plant type | Annual winter legume |
| Height | 20 to 45 cm |
| Water use | Low |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
November to December
Harvest time
March to April
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Planting timeHarvest or flowering
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
A small thin plant with fine feathery leaves and tendrils, small white or purple flowers and small flat pods.
Where it grows
Grown in winter in small areas in Al-Qassim, Hail, Al-Jouf, Tabuk and the Northern Borders.
Soil
Prefers light, well-drained soil.
Water and irrigation
Needs little water.
Climate and light
Likes a cool winter.
Propagation
From seeds sown directly.
Benefits and uses
- Rich in protein and iron
- Improves soil fertility
Drawbacks
- Fairly low yield
- Weak against weeds
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Lens culinaris
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Lens culinaris
- Wikipedia: Lentil
- FAO Crop Calendar - Food and Agriculture Organization
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)